Sustainable Groundwater Treatment & Water Reuse
This month, the 29th anniversary of UN World Water Day will focus on the protection and preservation of one of our most valuable freshwater sources, groundwater. As the United Nations states, “Groundwater needs to be used carefully and sustainably – but we cannot manage what we do not measure. Groundwater must be thoroughly explored, analyzed and monitored.”
Environmentally friendly ozone is a sustainable solution that can treat the most complex groundwater issues. Ozone offers the most powerful water disinfection treatment on the market today, while also providing an important key benefit… the ability to reuse treated groundwater for non-potable applications.
Groundwater disinfection can be one of the most challenging water issues to solve. The difficulty arises with respect to determining the source(s) of contamination. Groundwater is composed from the rocks, soil and naturally occurring elements in the ground like iron and manganese, which is why the water quality changes by location and depth. The ground itself acts as an important natural filter for common water contaminants, however, virtually all groundwater is impacted from human activity above and/or below the ground surface. Organics, pathogens, metals and other contaminants can run deep below the surface and can be further influenced from contaminated rainfall that penetrates the ground, bringing surface contaminates with it. Ozone in the treatment train is effective at removing organics, sulfur, iron, manganese, lead and other metals that occur naturally in groundwater as well as the man-made contaminants that it may come in contact with.
Groundwater is adversely affected by contaminants in soil, which are often the result of elevated nutrients and chemicals. Agricultural run-off is a huge contributor to soil and consequently groundwater contamination. Rainwater can also attract contaminants before and after it reaches the ground surface.
Groundwater is the unsung hero of agriculture, industry and human development but its importance tends to be ignored until there is a shortage or impact. With recent droughts in California for example, combined with industrial and agricultural needs has led to depleted groundwater reserves that also act as a critical “barrier” to encroachment from sea-water into aquifers.
Specialized knowledge and experience in advanced chemistry is fundamental to the complex analysis necessary to accurately determine the source of groundwater contaminants. Hydrological and/or geotechnical reports are also required to assess raw water quality and identify the contaminants that need to be addressed.
Once the groundwater analysis is complete, a comprehensive solution, incorporating ozone in the treatment train, can be designed and engineered to eradicate contaminants and meet any necessary municipal or environmental regulations. Ozone groundwater treatment solutions will meet the most stringent municipal regulatory standards which can significantly reduce sewage discharge dumping fees and fines. On-site ozone groundwater treatment also has a positive impact on the community by reducing the strain on local water treatment facilities and prevents the discharge of chemicals such as road salt, to the environment/waterways.
Ozone groundwater treatment solutions can also be designed to incorporate various water reuse applications. Although not regulated for potable (drinking) use, this water can result in significant cost savings when used for greywater applications such as watering plants, irrigation, flushing toilets, cooling towers, chillers etc.
Ozone water treatment also provides a tangible opportunity to significantly enhance an organizations’ Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) rating. The environmental component of ESG evaluates how an organization performs as a steward of nature and has become an increasingly important consideration for investors who are incorporating this data into their investment decisions.
Ozone has been used for water disinfection for more than 100 years. However, chlorine was regarded as the global standard for sanitation until the 1970’s, when it was discovered to create numerous toxic by-products like Trihalomethanes (THM’s). Since then, interest in ozone has significantly increased. Ozone is now universally recognized as a safe and far more effective disinfectant than chlorine. It is the fastest, strongest and most environmentally friendly water treatment technology available. Ozone breaks down rapidly to oxygen after contact and leaves no residuals in the effluent water. Furthermore, ozone improves the water quality in the receiving waterways because it is rich in dissolved oxygen which protects and improves watershed ecosystems. As global water scarcity issues escalate, ozone groundwater treatment also offers sustainable solutions for water reuse and conservation.
For more information on sustainable groundwater treatment please contact us here.
